What Are the Benefits and Functions of Ma Wei Lian?

In our daily lives, various types of traditional Chinese herbal medicines are abundant, and with reasonable use, they can effectively improve our physical health. Mawei Lian is primarily derived from the roots and stems of Zhaotong Tangsongcao and the plant Jin Si Ma Wei. It can be harvested throughout the year and, after cleaning, is directly sun-dried to become the herbal medicine known as Mawei Lian. While some may be unfamiliar with this herbal medicine, let's delve into its specific efficacies and applications.

Mawei Lian has a bitter taste and a cold nature, which makes it suitable for use in treating issues related to the heart, liver, and large intestine. It exhibits various therapeutic effects, including clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, and detoxifying. It is effective in treating conditions such as jaundice, diarrhea, skin infections, fever, and colds, primarily through decoction.

Mawei Lian can also be used topically to treat exudative dermatitis. For this purpose, an appropriate amount of Mawei Lian is dried, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with pine pollen and sesame oil to form a paste. This paste is then applied directly to the affected area, and the dressing is changed daily, leading to rapid improvement in symptoms such as itching and pain.

Mawei Lian is also effective in treating oral ulcers. The treatment involves decocting a combination of Mawei Lian, Huangqin, Cibo Huangbai, Zhizi, and Gancao with water. After removing the dregs, the decoction is consumed directly, and the liquid is also used for multiple rinses of the mouth, leading to rapid improvement in the symptoms of oral ulcers.

① For treating childhood colds and fever, as well as impending measles: Mawei Huanglian, Chantui, Juhua, Dalizi, Fangfeng, Bohe, and Gancao are decocted together.

③ For treating diarrhea and enteritis: Mawei Huanglian and Muxiang are ground into a fine powder.

③ For treating damp-heat vomiting: Mawei Lian and Wu Zhu Yu are decocted together.

④ For treating fever with thirst: Mawei Lian and Jiaoshanzhi are decocted together.

⑤ For treating oral ulcers, conjunctivitis, and tonsillitis: Mawei Huanglian, Huangqin, Cibo Huangbai, Zhizi, Niubangzi, Lianqiao, and Gancao are decocted together.

⑥ For treating inflamed and swollen abscesses: Mawei Huanglian is decocted and also applied topically as a powder or ointment.

⑦ For treating exudative dermatitis: An appropriate amount of Mawei Huanglian is dried, ground into a fine powder, and applied directly to the affected area. It can also be used together with pine pollen. If the affected area becomes dry and cracked after application, it can be mixed with sesame oil for application.

⑧ For treating athlete's foot: Mawei Huanglian, Huangbo, fresh pig bile, and Borneol are combined in a specific preparation. First, Mawei Huanglian and Huangbo are decocted into a paste, the dregs are removed, and pig bile is added. The mixture is then gently heated for 1-2 minutes, removed from the heat, and mixed with Borneol. This preparation is applied to the affected area every evening.